DES MOINES, Iowa — Every athlete is nervous in the first game at Girls State Basketball, a place you only get one chance to play every year in front of thousands of fans.
Nerves did not stop the Panorama Panther girls Wednesday night, when they beat the Grundy Center Spartans 59-49 at Wells Fargo Arena.
“Our composure and defense stayed strong,” said Coach Boettcher, with packed stands of classmates, parents, grandparents and most of the community at her back.
Grundy Center’s defense posed some challenges as they double-teamed and triple-teamed Tyme Boettcher, Panorama’s top scorer, but that allowed the rest of the Panthers to rise to the challenge and put points on the scoreboard.
Sophomore Morgan Crees was named Player of the Game, stacking the board with 19 points. Jaidyn Sellers contributed with 18 points and 9 rebounds, and Mia Waddle added 13 points.
“Winning on the boards was key,” said Coach Boettcher, “along with our presence at the free throw line.”
The Panthers are now 24-1 overall and will play against the Westwood Rebels Friday at 11:45 a.m. in Des Moines at the Well.
